Wright combination can help Borough reach play-offs

And the Borough assistant boss is looking for the Privett Park outfit to hit the ground running with a win in tomorrow’s curtain raiser at Maidenhead United (3pm).

Gosport, who ended their pre-season preparations with an impressive 1-1 draw against Eastleigh on Monday night, have recruited well this summer to replace departing prolific striker Justin Bennett.

Boss Alex Pike has attracted a trio of goal-getters in Ben Wright, Chris Flood and Warren Bentley to the club.

And Catlin has revealed Borough hold no fear in unleashing all three on their opponents from the off as they look to share the goals around the side this term.

‘We relied too heavily on Justin for goals in the past,’ said Catlin.

‘His record speaks for itself but I would like to see the goals shared around the side a little bit more.

‘And I think with the players we brought in that’s going to be the case.

‘Ben Wright is an experienced player and has been around some big clubs and a regular scorer in the Conference South for Maidenhead.

‘He is just the type of player we need.

‘He is a big lad at 6ft 3in and has a big presence but he is also nimble on his feet and knows where the net is.

‘With him, Chris Flood and Warren Bentley, who scored a lot of goals for Winchester a couple of levels below, I feel we have goals all around the side.’

And by playing with a diamond formation, Catlin has seen Gosport get the best out all three newcomers.

He said: ‘We have been playing with a diamond in midfield with Warren just behind the strikers, which I feel is his best position.

‘I think we have found a system where we can incorporate all three.

‘Because of the financial difficulties of last year we have gone for a smaller tighter squad but with better quality.

‘Hopefully we don’t get a lot of injuries.’

The aim for Borough this season is clear and consistent with the previous two campaigns – push for the play-offs.

Catlin said: ‘The aim is the same as the last two seasons – to get in the play-off spots.

‘Big-hitters Ebbsfleet will be the favourites and there will be several others with promotion aspirations

‘But for a club like ours to get in the play-off places would be a big achievement – and I feel this squad is capable of doing that.’

First up for new-look Gosport, though, is a ‘tough test’ at Maidenhead.

‘We have played them a lot of times and they are always a big and strong outfit,’ added Catlin.

‘Every game in this league is a tough test so we never take anything lightly.

‘We are looking forward to going there, although we would have preferred a home game!

‘We are confident with the squad we have assembled and feel we can go there and get three points.’